Electrical power production met expectations last year even though many hydropower plants in Laos had insufficient water to generate the optimum amount of electricity. According to a report from Electricite du Laos, Laos was able to generate about 3.799 million kWh last year, about 102 percent of the target for the year, despite water shortages. Of the total amount generated, about 1.903 million kWh was exported to neighbouring countries, mainly Thailand, according to the report. Revenue from the sale of electricity to these countries was about US$ 89 million. In 2009, Laos imported about 1.175 million kWh. Electricity imported for household consumption reached 819 million kWh, about 136 percent of the annual import plan. Power imported for use by major industrial plants including copper and goal mines and cement factories amounted to 356 million kWh, about 101 percent of the annual plan. Laos normally exports electricity during the rainy season when there is plenty of water to generate electricity. Electricity imported during the dry season exceeded the amount set in the annual plan because many hydropower plants were unable to get sufficient water to generate electricity. The cost of imported electricity amounted to about US$ 73 million. At least four hydropower plans, including the 1.088 MW Nam Theun 2 in Khammuan province, are scheduled to start commercial operation at the end of this year. At present, Laos has about 10 hydropower plants that are in the planning stage, including a 1.260 MW plant in Luang Prabang. Another 45 hydropower plants are undergoing feasibility studies. The government plans to turn the landlocked nation into the “battery of Asean”.
Source: Vientiane Times
